Page 199 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

SUBSTRATE PLANTS 197

Ludwigia mullertii Nymphoides aquatica
Red Ludwigia Banana Plant

ORIGINS This plant does not grow naturally in the ORIGINS Occurs naturally in the eastern states of the
wild, but its ancestors occur in North America. United States, extending along the Atlantic coastline.
SIZE Can grow to a height of 15 in (38 cm). SIZE Can grow up to 12 in (30 cm).
WATER Temperature 68–86°F (20–30°C); soft WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
PROPAGATION Very easily propagated from cuttings, PROPAGATION Divide the rootstock, remove
although it may also be grown from seed. small plantlets, or split off runners.
This vigorously growing plant is Although this adaptable plant
probably a natural hybrid between will tolerate being permanently
Marsh Ludwigia (L. palustris) and a submerged in a tank, it prefers
different Red Ludwigia (L. repens). shallower waters similar to those of its
The key requirement of Red natural habitat. The leaves of the Banana
Ludwigia is bright light, which will Plant spread out over the surface in the
maintain its distinctive red coloration. aquarium, and it may
Because of its rather elongated shape, Red produce white Bright light
Ludwigia looks at its best when it is planted flowers on stalks encourages
good leaf
in clumps. Regular trimming back of the stems above the water growth
should help to ensure a denser, less straggly level. In the wild,
appearance and as a result provide more cover the bananalike roots
for the fish in the tank. This hardy plant is act as a water reservoir
especially useful in tanks housing fish that require to sustain the plant
relatively low water temperatures, because it will in times of drought.
grow well in such surroundings. If it is included in
an uncovered tank, it may grow above the water’s Leaf shape indicates
surface and subsequently flower, although the white a close relationship
blooms it produces are tiny and inconspicuous. with water lilies

Cabomba species Ceratophyllum submersum Cardamine lyrata
Cabomba Hornwort Bitter Cress

ORIGINS From the southeastern United States along the ORIGINS Grows widely throughout the world’s tropical ORIGINS Asia, found naturally in parts of eastern China,
eastern side of Central America down to Argentina. and subtropical regions. as well as in Korea and Japan.
SIZE Branches can grow to well over 20 in (50 cm). SIZE May reach a length of 18 in (45 cm). SIZE Can grow to about 12 in (30 cm) in height.
WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); soft WATER Temperature 68–82°F (20–28°C); hard WATER Temperature 59–77°F (15–25°C); soft
(50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.2). (100–150 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5). (50–100 mg/l) and around neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
PROPAGATION Roots easily from cuttings placed into PROPAGATION Very easy to propagate; pieces break off PROPAGATION Take cuttings, which will rapidly establish
the substrate. naturally, giving rise to new plants. themselves in the substrate.
There are five different species of Cabomba: some This is an ideal choice for tropical aquariums.
have larger whorls of fine leaves than that pictured, House it with Paradise Fish (see p.108)
and others have mauve-tipped leaves. Good lighting and other species that share the
is important for these plants, which are best planted same waters in the wild.
in groups near the back of the tank, using pieces of This plant prefers cool
slate to weigh them down until they take root. Cut surroundings and may
back leggy plants to encourage vigorous and not thrive at
compact new growth. temperatures
above 68°F
(20°C). The leaf
Fine-leaved form ranges from
structure circular to kidney-
This attractive plant has fine green foliage. It needs shaped. Above the
to be held down in the substrate with rocks, surface, the leaves are
because it has lost the ability to anchor itself with pointed, and small, white
roots. Hornwort is also fragile, and pieces break flowers are produced.
off easily, usually from the crown. These may then
Central stem anchors grow at the water’s surface as floating plants. Planted in clumps, the
stems will entwine
in the substrate Hornwort fares well under bright light.

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